<p>Happy new year. My son has applied to these schools (business) and I'd appreciate some insight (your humble opinions, observations and experiences) whether student or parent. Academics, social scene, housing, etc. Thanks</p>
<p>Well, you asked for opinions so here goes. </p>
<p>Daughter is a junior at USC, also in the business school – double majoring in corporate finance/economics, minoring in Chinese. Did not apply to the Honors College but does have an academic scholarship. Came from a competitive, private school, well prepped for college with the usual high grades, leadership, extras, APs etc.</p>
<p>Didn’t look at or apply to Bama, can’t help you there.</p>
<p>VT – applied/accepted prior to tour. Took immediate dislike to. Thought the kids were stuck-up Northerners (sorry, Tech fans, that’s how we felt). Thought the campus was cold and fortress-like looking. The town was too small and isolated.</p>
<p>Clemson – did not apply, took tour. Same thing of being isolated and too small town. Decided not to apply although her grades/SAT were well within range</p>
<p>Also applied/accepted to five other colleges – some large, some small.</p>
<p>Knew immediately that Carolina was the place! The classes, teachers, advisors have all been as friendly and wonderful as they appeared on the tour. She rushed a sorority imediately so she was only in the dorm for first year. Moved into the House asap. She loves the big football/Greek life atmosphere.</p>
<p>It has been (so far) the perfect college experience. Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>Thanks so much. I know what you mean about VT seeming full of northerners. I went to an urban university and husband went to Ivy in N.E. and we both loved VT. We felt comfortable there and it didn’t feel southern at all. Son wants something “more southern” so we shall see. It’s important where he’s comfortable. And that’s not anywhere in N.E (tant pis for mom and dad, but we’re looking forward to some great food).</p>
<p>if you wind up visiting//attending USC come back, we know some great places to eat in town!!</p>
<p>Absolutely! My favorite is Diane’s on Devine – wonderful Italian food and beautiful surroundings. We’ve also gone to Harper’s many times and it’s always been good. Daughter’s been talking about Mellow Mushroom so that’s on my list for next time! My daughter is older now so I’m not visiting Cola as much 
She drives herself back and forth so my help is only needed Fall and Spring to bring stuff home. But I do look forward to shopping and eating when I’m there!</p>
<p>Hi dunderheader,
I replied to your post over on the VT board (sorry I addressed it to someone I thought was a bit younger than us :)) </p>
<p>We looked at/applied to 3 out of the 4 schools you are looking at with our guy a couple of years back. Really liked all of them and felt they all would be places that any kid would be happy to call “home” for their undergraduate years. Dad, daughter and I esp liked South Carolina. The folks in that state/at that school come across as being some of the nicest, most genuine people in the world I think. But…those in Blacksburg come close. LynchburgLover, all I can say is I truly value your opinion, but wow, in all of my years, I have never heard anyone say the words “stuck up” when talking about Tech. If the kids I know from there heard that, they would be on your doorstep apologizing for any rude behavior or misunderstanding. We have been totally charmed by any/all Hokies we have met!</p>
<p>Anyway, our daughter will probably apply to both SC and VT when her time comes. I wouldn’t hesitate to send her to either. I think VT is probably a bit stronger academically, (VT and Clemson are pretty parallel) but I am one of those that believe a school is only as good as you make it. Best of luck with everything in the upcoming “decision season”. I don’t think he could wrong at any of them!</p>